by Rabbi Israel Rubin
Until recently, things were simpler: No candles, no Chanukah!
Of course, some preferred to light their Menorah with oil to recall the original oil miracle. But natural flames always reigned supreme on this Holiday of Lights. Kids debate whether to use all the same color candles, or to alternate the red, white, yellow and blue candle choices in the box. Yet whatever the color scheme, it is the flames that enliven the Menorah.
But ever since electric gizmos and plastic novelties joined production, we've seen a proliferation of electric menorahs; they should all live and be well. Nice and easy as they look, those electrics are missing the spark. They just can't hold a candle to the real thing!
Why am I getting so fired up about this? I may be a hothead, but this is a burning issue!
Rather than complain about the competition, let us do what we do best. It's Chanukah, so let's count our blessings. First, we thank G‑d who has sanctified and commanded us to light the Chanukah candle. Second, we recall how He performed miracles to our ancestors in those days, at this time. Thirdly, we thank G‑d Who has kept us alive and sustained us to this day.
Amen! Happy Chanukah!
Now please hear me out before you run off to play draydel or eat latkes. Forgive me if I wax emotional, but that's me. Resplendent with feeling, a candle's glow can melt your heart. Elegantly set on the Shabbat and holiday table, candlelight enchants the ambiance, emanating calm and tranquility, a relaxing mood of ritual and spirituality. It shines forth with precious memories and cherished traditions we wish to hand down to our children, who will, hopefully, relay the torch to future generations.
Surely, oil lamps and candles are obsolete in the 21st Century; they're certainly not high tech. Except for fancy scented specialties, people only know of utility candles stored away in case of a blackout or emergency. Even the revered Yartzeit candles are turning into bulbs. What are we coming to?
Historically, switching on electricity hardly brings us to a pre-Edison past, while lighting a candle links us to our ancestors, connecting us with the original flames in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
I may seem old fashioned, but I am proud to represent the ancient Chanukah story that inspires us to this day. Unlike the electrics, we have that special touch that kindles an interest and excites others, as only a candle can.
Those passive sedentary electrics lack expression. They sit without movement, while we gesticulate every which way and jump for joy. Sure we have our ups and downs, but that's life. We sway fervently to and fro, as man in prayer, for "A person's soul is a divine candle" (Proverbs 20), soulfully yearning and reaching upward to a higher transcendent dimension.
We need som ething real and authentic to illuminate our synthetic and artificial world. Isn't that what the Macabbees stood for? They searched for the little Cruse of Purity, insisting on finding the genuine thing.
They wouldn't settle for superficial ersatz that has no inner warmth and fire.
But Safety First! Candles and flames are a privilege and a responsibility. Do not leave Chanukah (or any) candles unattended, certainly not near children. The best way is to sit down, reflect and listen to the candles tell their story.
Now don't get me wrong, the electrics also serve a purpose. They're great public relations, promoting Chanukah at all hours of the night and day.
Seeing an electric Menorah in the window is surely a delight, a welcome relief from the ubiquitous blinking bulbs this time of the year.
But only a real flame meets Halachic specifications to fulfill the Chanukah Mitzvah, bringing us closer to Moshiach and the Redemption, when Israel will be a 'Light to the World."
Have a bright and happy Chanukah!
